Tomi Adeyemi refuses to back ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ film

Author Tomi Adeyemi, whose bestselling fantasy novel "Children of Blood and Bone" is being adapted for the screen, announced on TikTok that she will neither post about nor watch the upcoming film, which is scheduled for release on 15 January 2027. Adeyemi, who co‑wrote the screenplay, shared screenshots of a private exchange with lead actress Amandla Stenberg, telling the actor not to use her name in interviews, not to contact her, and that she has blocked Stenberg.

The adaptation, produced by Paramount and directed by Gina Prince‑Bythewood, features a cast that includes Stenberg, Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Viola Davis. The dispute follows earlier controversy over the casting and accusations of colorism, which Stenberg addressed in a deleted TikTok video, noting that Adeyemi had originally inspired her role.